I’ve always been partial to a Greek beach getaway and after years of exploring almost all of the country’s many, many sunny hubs I’ve become somewhat of an expert, too.
I’ve seen everything from the white stone houses of Santorini to the (in my opinion, overhyped) beaches of Mykonos, but this summer, some of my actual all-time favorite destinations emerged as the season’s fastest-growing hotspots.
And to those of you who think you’ve missed the chance for that perfect island vacation just because summer’s over, I say think again!
With temperatures that range between 64°F and 82°F (18°C and 28°C), uncrowded beaches, and reasonable prices – September and October might just be the perfect months to visit these 5 amazing gems.
Crete
I might be a bit biased when it comes to Crete since it’s one of the very first places I flew to as a newly independent adult years ago, but the fact that I have kept going back time and time again since then shows that there’s truly something magnetic about Greece’s largest island.
Thanks to its size, you never really run out of things to see or do – even those of you who’ve been here more than once or twice can find plenty of places that you didn’t even know existed on this list right here.
If you’re seeing Crete for the very first time, though, you’ll want to see Chania first.
Not only is it close to many of the island’s most famous beaches (Balos, Elafonissi, Falassarna, and so on), but the city itself is incredible, too – the mix of Greek, Venetian, Egyptian, and Ottoman influences makes for a type of architecture and overall charm I’ve never experienced before.
With that said, if you’re staying here you’ll most likely need to rent a car since the beaches right near the city aren’t really that great (I’ve usually used Go Car Rental for that).
The same goes for Heraklion.
If you’re looking to stay somewhere that has both an active city scene (complete with shops, bars, and restaurants) and great beaches you can walk to, I’d recommend traveling to lesser-known Hersonissos instead.
Corfu
Corfu is the living, breathing proof that a Greek island getaway doesn’t have to be expensive at all, especially now that peak summer prices are starting to slowly but surely fall down.
This season, you can experience the island’s jaw-dropping beaches, Venetian architecture, and impeccable cuisine for cheaper than ever, with round-trip flights starting at just $458 – that’s a steal!
You won’t have to worry about accommodation draining your travel budget, either.
I’ve personally loved Philoxenia Hotel; here, you’ll get a clean, spacious, comfortable room for well under $100 and free breakfast, too.
Zakynthos
Zakynthos promises the quintessential Greek island experience – the charming old town, the portside cafes, the world-class beaches – it truly has it all!
However, one thing I’ve noticed about both Zakynthos and Lefkada (coming up next) these past couple of years is that they’re becoming too crowded for their own good.
Don’t get me wrong, they’re still gorgeous, but the summer crowds (and heat!) can put a real damper on the overall experience, which is why I exclusively travel to these islands either in May/June or September/October.
And since this is one of the more expensive destinations on today’s list, dodging those sky-high summer prices will also provide your wallet with some much-needed relief.
Just a heads-up, though, the famous Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach is still closed to the public as of the time of writing this article – you can only approach it by boat.
With that said, there are still plenty of beautiful beaches across the island to enjoy this time of year, with some of my personal favorites being Gerakas, Makris Gialos, and Porto Limnionas.
Lefkada
It’s only been a couple of months since my last trip to Lefkada, so you can read my more in-depth review here, but long story short, it’s one of the most stunning places I’ve ever traveled to.
Yes, it’s a bit pricier than Corfu and Kefalonia (yet cheaper than Zakynthos) but the main town is incredibly lively and picturesque and the beaches are to die for.
The main reason why I’ve included it in today’s list, though, is that the quality of your experience in Lefkada will be greatly affected by when you go – and now might be the best time.
Take Egremni Beach, for example.
It’s hands-down one of the most jaw-dropping places I’ve ever seen in my life and I had a blast here; meanwhile, a friend of mine who came here in mid-August complained that all the ships hovering near the coast completely degraded the quality of the water, making it almost unswimmable.
The same goes for overall customer service.
I fell in love with a little restaurant in the town center called Κελάρι μεζεδοπωλείο Λευκάδα – I always found a table, the food was sublime, the prices were reasonable, and I either got a free drink or dessert at the end of my meal.
That same friend who went to Lefkada in August complained that prices in that same area (not the same restaurant, though) were too high and that they’d never gotten anything complimentary – they were even billed for something they didn’t order.
So, if you want to make the most out of this incredible island, you’ll want to book those tickets fast!
Kefalonia
Kefalonia might just be one of Greece’s most underrated hubs – do yourself a favor and Google its towns and beaches and tell me that’s not something straight out of a postcard.
And believe me when I tell you the pictures don’t do it justice, either.
I took this picture at a seaside cafe on the island, and while pretty, the view I have in my head, along with the overall atmosphere I felt while there, leaves me a little out of breath every time I think about it.
And as we speak, 3 and 4-star hotels across Kefalonia can be booked for well under $100 a night (my top pick would be Hotel Ionian Plaza) – well worth it when you get to spend a day in Myrtos Beach under the warm Greek sun.
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